The Utah State Bar awarded its prestigious 2025 Lifetime Service Awards, honoring three extraordinary legal professionals whose careers have exemplified commitment, integrity and transformative impact in the legal community. This year’s honorees are Judge Noel S. Hyde, Reyes Aguilar and Professor Jensie L. Anderson.
These distinguished individuals have collectively contributed nearly a century of leadership, advocacy, education and reform that has shaped Utah’s legal system and inspiring generations of legal professionals.
“These honorees have improved lives, expanded justice, and inspired countless others to serve,” said Elizabeth Wright, Executive Director of the Utah State Bar. “The Lifetime Service Award reflects the values we hold most dear: dedication, integrity, and the belief that law can be a force for good.”
The Lifetime Service Awards were presented during the Bar’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, a signature event that brought together legal professionals from across the state to celebrate leadership, service and the future of the profession. Highlights of the meeting included recognition of 33 lawyers who have been in practice for 50 years.
Additionally, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown gave the keynote address, followed by Utah Supreme Court Justice Paige Petersen administering the oath of office to newly elected Bar Commissioner Jessica Couser, as well as to President Kim Cordova and President-Elect Tyler Young.
HONOREES:
Judge Noel S. Hyde
Second District Court Judge
Appointed in 2010, Judge Hyde has served Morgan and Weber counties with distinction and has been a designated statewide tax judge. Before his judicial appointment, he practiced law for 28 years, specializing in complex commercial litigation and business bankruptcy. As the founding judge of the Weber County Mental Health Court, Judge Hyde has been a champion for mental health reform in the justice system. His leadership includes serving as Presiding Judge of the 2nd District Court and as Chair of the Board of District Court Judges.
Reyes Aguilar
Associate Dean for Admissions & Financial Aid, University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law
For over three decades, Aguilar has been a national leader in legal education, diversity initiatives, and student access. A recognized voice in law school admissions and financial aid policy, Aguilar has served on the Board of Trustees for the Law School Admission Council and in leadership roles with the ABA and CLEO. His commitment to equity and community service has earned him numerous honors, including the Raymond S. Uno Award and the CLEO EDGE Education Award.
Professor Jensie L. Anderson
Clinical Professor, S.J. Quinney College of Law
A tireless advocate for criminal justice reform, Professor Anderson founded and led the law school’s Innocence Clinic for 20 years and now directs the Post-Conviction Clinic. Her career is marked by hands-on legal advocacy for the wrongly convicted, long-term service to the homeless population, and decades of impactful teaching. Professor Anderson’s numerous accolades include the Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer of the Year Award and the Lieutenant Governor’s Public Service Award. As she retires and assumes emerita status, she returns to her first passion: the performing arts
